On December 29, 1951, John married the love of his life, Donna Rae Staples. This union was blessed with six children: Linda, Sharon, Ron, Ken, Karol, and Larry. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage together, spending time with family and friends. After their marriage, John and Donna farmed with Fred Seeden in Lanesboro, IA. In 1959, they moved to Churdan to farm independently until John’s retirement in the early 2000s.
John was a member of the United Methodist Church of Churdan and was a well-respected and loved community member serving on many boards and committees. His commitment to the community and the surrounding area was only matched by his love for his family and the church. John served on the Paton-Churdan School Board, Webster Calhoun Telephone Board, Green County REC Board, United Methodist Church Board, and The Highlander Corporation Board, among many others. John’s Commitment to the Community and the people of Churdan was evident in his service as Mayor for ten years. His honesty, dedication, and compassion were present in all he did.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Linda (Rick) Kesselring of Adair, IA, Sharon (Kenny) Phillips of Indianola, IA, Ken (Nancy) Hunt of Grimes, IA, Karol (Gerald) Wiederien of Carroll, IA, and Larry (Sheri) Hunt of Anita, IA; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Rich Ryan and Raymond (Colene) Staples; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna, son Ron, sister Dorene Zacharias, sister and brother-in-law Mildred and Arnold Heuton, brother and sister-in-law Edger and Kay Hunt, sister Lois Ryan, and two sisters who passed in infancy.
Funeral Service is at 10:00 a.m., Friday at the United Methodist Church in Churdan, Iowa with a burial in the Highland township cemetery in Churdan, Iowa. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Churdan.
